Almost famous turn up among 'Idol' unknowns in Hollywood

“Don't forget Kelly Clarkson had schlepped around Los Angeles having no success before she went back to Texas and started working in a bar before we found her,” executive producer Ken Warwick said. “I don't think anyone would say she didn't deserve to be there.”

A few of the current hopefuls have already appeared on reality TV singing competitions. Allison Iraheta won the Telmundo contest “Quinceañera” in 2006. Brent Keith Smith was a contestant on the second season of “Nashville Star” in 2004. Jackie Mendez competed in 2006 on ABC's “Idol” knockoff “The One,” which featured DioGuardi as a judge.

There are also a few contestants who already made it through to the Hollywood round in past seasons, including Mishavonna Henson (seasons six and seven) and Junot Joyner (season seven). Along with being previously signed to a record label, there's nothing in the rules that excludes contestants dismissed from prior seasons from returning to compete.

“When I made it to Hollywood, my first thought was, 'Wow. Here we go again,'” Joyner said in a video posted on AmericanIdol.com. “Last season, I actually made it, and, of course, it didn't turn out as I would have liked, but you put the past behind you.”